Health care costs spur push for wellness programs

Dr. James Hill of the University of Colorado School of Medicine says various studies have shown the programs can improve employees' fitness and lower health care costs, but employees don't always take advantage of the programs.

Colorado-based TeleTech Holdings Inc. is among companies that have developed a wellness program to help manage health care expenses. Employee Michelle Ebert says it has helped her lose 80 pounds over the last two years.

Meanwhile, the company says its health care costs have remained flat due to a combination of factors, including fewer emergency room visits, fewer health claims and changes in the design of health plans.